Update

"New Dog" has successfully been reunited with her "old family". We've learned she is a coon hound named Kara. Even though we know she's in her home, with her people, we're pretty sad around here tonight. All of us except Harley, that is.

Out of our *&^%$# minds!

While we were out tonight, Hannah was looking for a new bag, we encountered a stray puppy. We asked everyone in the store if it was theirs or knew who it belonged to. No luck. Being that it's cold, pouring rain, and pitch black outside, there was no way we could just walk away and abandon her. The poor thing is so skinny :( So, she is now at our house, playing contendedly with her new toy having received a warm bath and some food. We're trying to find the owner. Until then, the kids have named her Shelby. Mike calls her New Dog, and I've warned them not to get too attached. I think I should take my own advice...

Winter Wonderland

We had a generous amount of snow last night that turned our yard into a beautiful scene! It's really putting us in the mood to cuddle under blankets and enjoy the last day of our mini "vacation".

Last night, we got the tree up and the living room all decked out for Christmas. It's so inviting in there now :) Of course it could not be done without the traditional Morgan Mix playing in the background. We all just sat and stared at the tree for a while after we were finished decorating it, enjoying the lights. Hannah enjoyed it from a different angle...

What we've been up to

As with everyone's busy lives, things have been pretty hectic around here lately. Mike has taken all of Thanksgiving week off, and we are SOOOO looking forward to some time together and to chill out with the kiddos.

I started a part time job 2 weeks ago at the elementary school that Nathan attends. Just 3 hours a day, but smack dab in the middle of it. I am so grateful, however, that I can be somewhere that is focused around the kids' schedules. It's perfect for now :)

Our swim club held a Swim-A-Thon this past Saturday so we have been busy preparing for that. Our goal was $10,000.00 and I think we just might get it! Final numbers aren't in yet but will be soon. With our new coach, there have been alot of changes and restructuring. The team is the largest it has ever been (in over 20 years of existence) and we now need to run practices out of two seperate facilities to accomodate all of the groups. Mike and I both serve on the parent board, he as President, I am a member-at-large. We coordinate the home meets and I take care of all the accessories and apparel designing and ordering. It sure keeps us hopping.

In the past month, all four of us have been sick. It seems that poor Nathy has been hit the hardest. After finishing a round of antibiotics for a sinus infection, he went back on them 5 days later for an ear infection. Two days later, it developed into pneumonia and had to change medicine yet again. This past month we've been to the doctor's office 8 times and filled 10 prescriptions. Ugh.

The kids have school Monday and a half day Tuesday. We're looking forward to putting up the Christmas tree and decorating the house this week. Of course, we will be among the crazies on Friday morning for shopping. I hope there's some good deals waiting for me!

We wish all of you a VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING and wish we could be together to spend the holiday with our loved ones. We are so thankful for all of you and the love and delight you bring to our lives. Enjoy your week!

First Snow

If you can believe it, just this weekend was our first sign that winter is most definately on it's way. Appropriately, the flurries began on the day we took the kids to get fitted for ski boots and skis for this season. Just a week ago, we were basking in the warmth of the sun and it was a gorgeous 71 degrees. Nothing beats raking leaves and mowing the lawn in that kind of weather in November! I think this was the first year we had trick or treating and didn't have to wear layers upon layers.

For Sale

Days filled with stress, crap and really retarded situations. Sale goes to the highest bidder. We are packing up and moving the family to a secluded island.

Happy Birthday Hannah!

When did this happen? My little girl has grown up! It seems like we've been living the teenage years for quite a while now, but today it's official. Thirteen. Whoa! I can't say that I could be any more pleased with the way she is growing up. We are so proud of all that Hannah has accomplished and all the goals she has set for herself to achieve. She is working hard and staying on the right path to meet those goals, and we know that they will all be hers :)

Somewhere along the way, Arthur cartoons, hide and seek games, and piggy back rides have been replaced with cell phones, ipods, and hanging out with friends. I miss the little girl that promised to stay home on the weekends and do puzzles with her mommy, but I'm pretty darn happy with the young woman that has taken her place. We love you Hannah!